BY ALLEN OSTER | The holiday season was once again celebrated in Chelsea’s Clement Clarke Moore Park, which was closed in 2018 for a much-needed upgrade. Residents came out to welcome Christmas and Chanukah 2019, in two joyous neighborhood events.

On Sat., Dec. 14, neighbors gathered to decorate and light the Christmas tree donated to Clement Clarke Moore Park by Tom’s Trees. Since 1995, Tom Gilmartin and his family have been coming to Ninth Ave. and W. 22nd St., from their home in Alaska, to offer the community a beautiful selection of trees for the holidays.

As a special treat, Tony Torn, son of the late actors Rip Torn and Geraldine Page and a celebrated theatrical actor in his own right, thrilled both children and adults with his reciting of A Visit From St. Nicolas (popularly known as Twas The Night Before Christmas), by Clement Clarke Moore. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed hot chocolate and holiday treats.

A week later, on Dec. 22, as the sun began to descend in the late afternoon, neighbors once again gathered in Clement Clarke Moore Park to celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.

The story of Chanukah was told by New York State Assemblymember, the Hon. Richard Gottfried, who represents the area. Residents were delighted to hear neighborhood children Isabel, Imogen, and Joshua recite the blessings for the lighting of the first candle, assisted by Lola and Theo, who turned on the lights of the Menorah.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of Rock of Ages, led by longtime Chelsea resident Meryl. Everyone enjoyed the refreshments—especially the latkes, made by West 400 Block Association executive committee member Susan Numeroff.

The West 400 Block Association wishes peace, health, and happiness in the New Year, to all our Chelsea neighbors and friends.

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